“My right shoe. There’s three grand hidden in it. It’s for you.”
She said, “Never mind that.”
He raised his head, his eyes feverishly on her face.
“Take my shoe off and get the dough,” he said urgently. “It’s all I got out of this mess… it’s for you.”
She undid his shoes and took them off. She found the crumpled notes wedged in one of them. Holding the little ball of money in her hand, she stood there, tears running down her face.
He dropped his head back on the pillow again. “You’re right, baby,” he said slowly. “Money don’t mean a thing.”
She said, keeping her voice steady, “I’ll leave you now. You must sleep. If you want me, call. I’ll be right outside.”
He said drowsily, “Sure, don’t get Sam. I’m going to be okay. I’m feeling fine, only tired.”
She pulled a light blanket over him, and he reached out and took her cool hand. “I’ve been a mug,” he said.
Alice clenched her teeth hard to stop the sob that rose in her throat. She looked down at his white, drawn face, and forced her trembling lips into a smile. “You… you’re okay now,” she said. “Forget about it. You see, it’s going to be all right.”